Oil Injection Split Control for Stable Compressor Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling reference temperatures in gas compressing devices using thermostat control valves and variable-speed fans are inefficient and prone to interference, leading to irregular behavior, emergency shutdowns, and premature wear due to complex computational algorithms like fuzzy logic.
Innovation Solution
A method using separate control circuits with simple non-fuzzy logic algorithms to control the apportioning proportion and fan speed, minimizing interference, by determining required apportioning proportions and fan speeds based on current temperature and pressure values, with safety margins and intervals to stabilize temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a thermostat control valve with a fixed temperature setpoint and a fixed-speed fan are used, then the reference temperature can be controlled to a desired value, but the fan causes rapid temperature decrease and requires frequent startup and shutdown, leading to energy inefficiency and risk of condensate formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed-speed fan to a variable-speed fan that can adjust its rotational speed dynamically. The control unit adjusts the fan speed based on real-time temperature measurements and control algorithms, allowing the system to respond adaptively to temperature changes without frequent on/off cycling, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving temperature control stability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a thermostat control valve with a fixed temperature setpoint and a variable-speed fan are used, then energy efficiency improves, but separate control circuits cause interference and irregular oscillatory behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions by integrating both the thermostat control valve and the variable-speed fan control into a single unified control unit. This control unit receives temperature measurements and coordinates both control actions through a single control algorithm, eliminating the interference between separate control circuits and preventing oscillatory behavior while maintaining energy efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If a fuzzy logic algorithm is used for controlling the thermostat control valve and fan speed, then temperature control precision improves, but the complex computational algorithm causes interference and irregular behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex computational aspects by replacing the fuzzy logic algorithm with a simpler control algorithm implemented in the unified control unit. The control unit processes temperature measurements and determines control actions through a streamlined approach that achieves precise temperature control without the computational complexity and interference associated with fuzzy logic algorithms.
4Temperature
If the fan operates at fixed speed to control reference temperature, then temperature control is straightforward, but rapid temperature decrease occurs and condensate formation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously measuring the reference temperature and using this information to adjust the fan speed dynamically. The control unit receives real-time temperature data and modifies the fan operating speed accordingly, preventing excessive temperature decrease and maintaining the temperature within a range that prevents condensate formation, thereby eliminating the harmful effect.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Stabilizes temperature control, reduces energy consumption, and prevents condensate formation by avoiding rapid temperature fluctuations, enhancing device longevity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an oil cooler cooled by a fan, for cooling the first part
Implementation Method 2
an oil cooler cooled by a fan
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A method for controlling a first reference temperature in a device (1) for compressing gas, the device (1) comprising: - an oil-injected element (2) for compressing the gas; - an oil injection pipe network (6) for injecting oil into the oil-injected element (2), comprising: - an apportioning means (8) for apportioning the oil into a first part and into a second part; - an oil cooler (10) cooled by a fan (9), for cooling the first part; and - a bypass (11) for diverting the second part past the oil cooler (10), wherein firstly an apportioning proportion of the first part is controlled to a required apportioning proportion, and wherein subsequently a speed of the fan (9) is controlled to a required speed optionally on the basis of the apportioning proportion, characterized in that the apportioning proportion is controlled by a control unit (15) on the basis of a non-fuzzy logic algorithm.